The Ultimate Glow-Up: Nine Years of Cougar Night Lights

The College of Charleston (CofC) has hosted its Cougar Night Lights—a beautiful, interactive holiday light show—since 2017 in its Cistern Yard, but the show’s architects had no idea their student-focused event would become a city-wide attraction for countless people other than students.

The brainchild of John Reynolds, a local cinematographer and lighting designer, Cougar Night Lights has captured the minds of Charlestonians, young and old, since its inception, with Reynolds’ lights dancing in tune with different songs each year.

It all started when several CofC staff members—Executive Vice President for Student Affairs Alicia Caudill, Chief of Staff Paul Patrick and Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Berry were discussing a way to bring students together during the holidays. “We knew we needed something that we didn’t already have on campus,” Caudill explains. 

Reynolds’ reputation as an Emmy award-winning lighting designer reached the team, who knew having his expertise would make Cougar Night Lights something special. 

In keeping with its student focus, every year different songs are chosen by students. Reynolds programs three to four of the selections into the show, which itself lasts approximately 10 minutes. “One of the songs is always a non-holiday song, and our students chose that particular detail to demonstrate that this show is for everyone, whether they celebrate the holidays or not,” Caudill says. 

Some songs from past years have included traditional holiday tunes, selections by popular artists such as Pentatonix and even some by Snoop Dogg, outlining the fun, unpredictable nature of the show each year. 

The show’s aesthetic is “Southern Gothic,” according to Reynolds, who designed the lights to reflect their environment of ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss. “The first thing you see when you walk into the yard are the lights in the trees, which just illuminate the whole area in this warm glow, but then your gaze shifts to the columns of Randolph Hall, which are wrapped in lights and serve as the focal point for the show,” Reynolds says. 

Having worked in film and television since 1992, Reynolds has done nearly every job available behind the camera including grip, gaffer, electrician, lighting director, editor, producer and director. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from CofC in 1997. Throughout his career he has contributed to numerous Olympics, earned six Emmys, and worked on assignments in news, television and films including: “Eenie Meanie,” “The Patriot,” “The Notebook,” “The Royal Wedding,” the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and countless presidential debates since 2003. 

As soon as he makes his appearance each fall on the CofC campus, Reynolds is greeted warmly by both staff and students eager to see his latest holiday masterpiece. He said one of the best parts of his role is seeing the sheer look of wonder on people’s faces when they see his show.

The lights themselves take two weeks to install and one week to program to the year’s chosen music. Reynolds often sees people remaining in the Cistern Yard long after a show ends just to bask in the holiday lights and briefly forget their troubles. The lights also act as a natural draw, lighting up the dark December streets and inviting people into its warm holiday sanctuary. There has even been a wedding proposal or two at the event. 

Since its initial start, Cougar Night Lights has marketed itself, with word of mouth working alongside the College’s own marketing channels. Having seen its growth from the beginning, Caudill believes Cougar Night Lights are now part of the Charleston experience. “This gives us a reason to celebrate,” Caudill says. “To be in this iconic space on campus during this important time.” 

She adds that CofC students—many of which aren’t aware the show isn’t some decades-old tradition—look forward to the show every year and are often seen taking time to stop and curiously watch the light installation. Many will even get together to dance to the music on top of the Cistern. 

Despite its popularity, the show isn’t the only holiday attraction in the Lowcountry, with festive staples like the James Island County Park’s Festival of Lights returning year after year.  However, Reynolds believes Cougar Night Lights serves to complement existing shows rather than compete with them. “It’s definitely a gift to the city,” Reynolds says. “You get one type of experience at shows like Festival of Lights and another experience at CofC. That way you can have a multifaceted holiday.” 

Public shows for 2025 will run from December 2 until New Year’s Day, starting each night at 5:30 p.m. and recurring on the half hour until 9 p.m. No reservations are required to attend.